Costco's quarterly, monthly sales increase

By Alaric DeArment

ISSAQUAH, Wash. — Costco Wholesale Corp.'s sales increased by 5% during first quarter 2014, which ended on Nov. 24, the club retailer said Thursday.

The company reported sales of $24.47 billion during the quarter, compared with $23.2 billion in first quarter 2013. For the month of November, sales were $8.78 billion, a 5% increase over the $8.4 billion reported in November 2012.

Same-store sales for November increased by 2%, along with a 3% increase during the first quarter, both at Costco's U.S. stores and for the chain overall. Costco operates 648 stores, including 461 in the United States and 87 in Canada.